Name
President's Day Trivia
Core Skill
General Swimming / Quiz
Who
This game works for any swim team group, especially small to medium groups where more people can answer questions. It was played successfully with developmental groups (Level 2 and up). Not recommended for swim lessons.
What
This game is a trivia portion with mini-games tied to each president. It doesn't focus on a specific swimming skill but adds a fun, engaging twist to practice. After each trivia question, swimmers do a swimming activity related to the president's famous achievement.
How
Do some research before practice. Use Wikipedia to look up the first six U.S. presidents and the five most recent presidents, finding one thing each is famous for. Have everyone get out of the water, ask the group a president question, and get 3–5 answers from different people. Then reveal the correct answer and do the associated game or activity.
Here are examples from the author's Trello board notes:
See all these items each week on Trello!https://gum.co/practices
Day 2: Modern Day Presidents
The author refined the game for a second day when more swimmers showed up. Swimmers guessed the president from a clue, then did an activity based on that president's fame.
Donald Trump
Game
Build a wall across your lane with your bodies, and then try to convince another lane to pay for it using words.
Barack Obama
Game
Swim an excellent 50 BR or BK, then tell a coach what it is called using your own name in the name. For example, "Jeff's Smooth Glide" (breaststroke).
George Bush
Game
Swim a 50 FR and/or a 50 BK super slow like you are in the "Great Recession."
Bill Clinton
Game
Make a deal with another lane. Each lane come up with a 25 to swim, then combine them and do it. Lane 1 bargains for 25 free, lane 2 wants a 25 fly. Both lanes swim 25 FR and 25 fly as a 50.
The author aimed to remain objective and not inject personal political views. The goal was to use obvious examples so kids could quickly identify the presidents.
Difficulties Instructors Might Face
Keep the trivia questions age-appropriate and avoid controversial topics. Some presidents may be polarizing; stay neutral and focus on the historical fact. Ensure the swimming activities are safe and match the group's ability level. For younger swimmers, simplify the questions and games.